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Controversy over Georgiana school’s name
Published Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Some parents and citizens of Georgiana remain opposed to the name chosen by the Butler County Board of Education for the city’s new school, which is scheduled to open in 2009.
In November the board voted to name the new $14 million facility the Butler County Magnet School. Board members said the name was selected based on what they desired the school to be: A technological, mathematics and science K-12 institution that will better prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century.
But some parents called the naming of the school a slap in the face to the people of Georgiana.
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“You take the name Georgiana out of the school and you take the heart out of this town,” said Pam Kilpatrick, who has helped organize a series of meetings this month with fellow parents to try and get the board to reverse its decision.
According to Darrell Sanders the parents have collected over 600 signatures from Georgiana citizens on a petition they plan on presenting to board members during the next board meeting in January.
“What they said to us when they made this decision was that we don’t matter,” said Sanders, during a Monday night meeting in Georgiana.
Superintendent Mike Looney said he felt as far as the board was concerned the matter was closed.
“The board has voted, the board has named the school,” he said. “I certainly can empathize with the people who want the school to be named Georgiana or want the school to be named Robert. L. Austin. I think the reality of this is that anytime you have two schools consolidating like this, you’re going to have conflict and controversy arising from the naming of the school. There is no way to make everyone happy in this regard.”
Looney said he supported the board’s decision.
“I think the name of the school responsibly and adequately reflects the mission and vision of the new school,” he said. “I think in the long run those people who are currently opposed to the name of the school will see the benefits of having a Magnet school in Georgiana. The reality is the board has acted on this matter and we’re moving forward. I certainly don’t want to dismiss or diminish their feelings or opinions, but this matter is behind us. We’re moving forward.”
Georgiana Mayor Mike Middleton attended Monday’s meeting, as did County Commissioner Jerry Hartin (Dist. 1). Hartin was openly critical of the board’s decision after the school was named, calling it a “divisive issue” in the Georgiana community. Middleton said he asked board members to delay naming the school until an open discussion could be held with Georgiana supporters, faculty and students.
“Obviously, they didn’t,” he said.
The school’s name has caused dissension even in McKenzie parents, who fear the name is a warning shot from the board signaling McKenzie School’s eventual closing.
Larry Johnson, who has children attending McKenzie, said he believed that.
“If they change the name of your school, that’s just the next step,” Johnson told Georgiana supporters Monday. “You’re fighting for the name of your school. We’re fighting for the life of ours.”
Looney called those suspicions unfounded.
“As I have said before as superintendent I have no desire or recommendation to close McKenzie,” he said. “The McKenzie School is - in many ways - the heart of that community. And we understand that. Having said that, the board is made up of five individual board members and each board member has their own individual views on that. But as the superintendent I have no intention of recommending we close McKenzie.”
Heather Nixon, whose daughter is a junior at Georgiana High School, said via e-mail that the parents remain committed to seeing the board gives the school’s name further thought.
“Our newly formed action group is serious and ready to make the necessary commitments necessary to be heard and see changes take place,” she said. “By choosing a name that is inclusive of the entire county, the identity of who Georgiana is as a community has been stripped without community consent. We are all in agreement that the school is the heartbeat of the community and one should identify itself with the other.”
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Comments
Posted by Iwasjustsayin (anonymous) on December 16, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We have one of the most egotistical BOE's that I have ever seen. Five individual members!! Please! Since Greenville is a "Satellite School", why isn't it the Butler County Satellite School? Once again, Looney and the Looney Toons have disregarded the south end of the county. If you don't live in or represent Greenville, our BOARD could care less.
Posted by schoolmom (anonymous) on December 16, 2008 at 8:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Did anyone listen to the news regarding the state of emergency for public school funds? I think you should be more worried about whether there will be money to operate the school than what its name should be. School systems will be cut 12.5% beginning in January. Not to mention that the state was unable to provide 100% of payroll on time for school systems during the last couple of months. Some school systems had to borrow money to pay the teachers! A 12.5% cut will be felt by ALL of us. Now is the time to rally behind our schools and school leaders.
Posted by Iwasjustsayin (anonymous) on December 17, 2008 at 7 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It would be easy to rally behind leaders who were actually trying to lead and not dictate! Yes, I realize the situation our school budgets are in. My daughter is a teacher and I do have alot of concerns, but I also know that a community's school is the heart and life source of that community. Our board is more like a dictatorship than a guiding post. They just decide and thats it! We the people pay the taxes that operate these schools and we the people should have that say. It is OUR money that they are spending.
Posted by KFM (anonymous) on December 17, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A magnet school is a special school kids have to apply to. Is the school board trying to tell us something?
Posted by jmcoleman (anonymous) on December 17, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
First of all, I live in Greenville, so I am sure my opinion is biased. However, there are plenty of students who go to Georgiana High School that don't live in Gerogiana. If the students that go to the school live in all parts for Butler county then the name should reflect that. At the same time, kids in Forest Home go to Greenville High, but that is smaller percentage. There is alot of emotion around this. The most important part about the building is not the name. The campus will be an enormous step forward. I hope everyone will be proud of the opportunity that students in the southern part of the county will have once it project is complete.
The board is ultimately responsible for making decisions. If we waited for all to agree nothing would be accomplished. Finally, names can and will change. If you want to change it, go to board meetings, run for the board. It can always be addressed later.
Posted by tigerfann (anonymous) on December 17, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think if you asked people who live "outside" of the city limits most would tell you that they did not want the name of their school changed to reflect their community name. In the old days we had kids bused in from Lowndes County and I don't think they ever felt like GHS was not their own school just because they lived in Ft. Deposit, or Forest Home and Pineapple for that matter! The city and citizens of Georgiana are paying for that school, it is in the CITY of GEORGIANA, it should be named for that town, or for whomever the CITIZENS want it to be named for. Keep it up Gana, we're all behind you!!!
Posted by butlercocitizen (anonymous) on December 17, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The school board should have held an open meeting asking for suggestions or sent letters home with the students of Georgiana. When they were thinking about making the kids wear uniforms did they not send letters home asking how the parents felt about uniforms? I think this issue is more important than a uniform and the parents were not even notified they were considering changing the name.
Does the sign out in the front of the construction site not say "A new school for Georgiana"?
Not only has the school name been changed, the mascot and colors have also been changed. We have children who have purchased various items of school spirit gear, class rings (which were just purchased a few weeks ago) etc.
Did anyone from Georgiana get a say in the new mascot or colors. Nope. as someone said earlier "Looney and the Looney Toons" got to feel important and make that decision themselves. How many of these toons have a child attending school in Georgiana?
Posted by BrendaG (anonymous) on December 17, 2008 at 8:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have never been so upset in my life as when I first heard that our town's name would be taken off our new school's name. It is not a man or a woman's name; it's our town that I, my family, and everyone else born and reared here are proud to call our home.
I attended GHS from 1st-12th grade, went to TSU, and then returned to Georgiana to teach for 30 years before my retirement. I dedicated my life and much of my money made teaching to help all my students and my community. I am proud of the name Georgiana. Georgiana High School has been here since the late 1800s. If anyone would have a problem coming to a school that has our town's name in it, that is their problem.
If the Georgiana and McKenzie population should become so small that students have to be transferred to Greenville area schools, there would never be a school name change, nor would anyone expect there to be.
Renaming a school's name should have been brought before the citizens of Georgiana and not made by the whim of a person or persons on the school board who have little or no ties to Georgiana. Georgiana's very existence is being threatened by their actions.
Brenda Gruenewald
Posted by schoolmom (anonymous) on December 17, 2008 at 9:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Michael, I am guessing you are not a public servant. You clearly have no idea how difficult it is to serve the public. Most of the teachers and school administrators are working hard to serve the children of this county...with very little gratitude from people like you. The work is much too hard for the money they receive (teachers and administrators). One of your comments says parents should determine the mission and vision of the school...maybe they should come teach each day as well...and while they are there- enjoy a little abuse from people like yourself.
Posted by satsoomer (anonymous) on December 18, 2008 at 12:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Nope. "The mission and vision" of the school is what the parents tell you it is, Mr. Looney." **************************
What a truly dumb, not to mention condescending, comment. We hire people with expertise and then allow them to work without micromanagement. Otherwise, the system fails every time.
Posted by tigerfann (anonymous) on December 18, 2008 at 12:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"We hire people with expertise and then allow them to work without micromanagement"
Oh yeah, there is absolutely NO MICROMANAGEMENT in the Butler Count School System...ask a teacher or two about that! LOL
Posted by panthermom (anonymous) on December 18, 2008 at 9:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The removal of Georgiana is a big concern of many in Georgiana, but, a huge issue is that the BOE is allowed to change the name of a school (a 100 year tradition) with no input from the community. We understand that they would have to make a final decision if the community, students, and faculty could not agree, but, at least let us be involved with the process. If the BOE had taken it upon themselves to rename any school in Greenville and used the same secretive process they used on us..the citizens of Greenville would have been just as outraged as we are. The BOE may have been within their legal rights to rename our school, but, they were very arrogant and totally disregarded their job as representatives of the people.
Posted by INI (Rob Mello) on December 19, 2008 at 12:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Vote them out next time. SIX YEARS FROM NOW lol
Posted by BF2C1 (anonymous) on December 19, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Remember how hard it was to change the name of Joe Reed Acadome? You would be surprised at the power of a claw hammer and a screwdriver.
The school may have the new name for a short period of time, only to have the power of the people remove it.
Looney tried to 'cut and run' several months back. It is not to late to do that now.
By the way, many of the so-called administrators at the Board of Education could get their pin slips and you would never miss them. You better be glad that I an not running things over there.
Posted by Iwasjustsayin (anonymous) on December 19, 2008 at 8:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am a Mckenzie Tiger fan and I thought I would never say this: GO GEORGIANA! GO GEORGIANA! GEORGIANA HIGH SCHOOL! GO GEORGIANA! We are behind you guys all the way! There is a song that says "You got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything". Take a stand and let us stand with you guys! I'm tired of paying school taxes and then being told,"WE have decided and that's it!" Last time I checked it was still the USA and not Russia.
Posted by turkey1 (anonymous) on December 20, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As a former resident & Graduate of Georgiana High School I was saddened to learn that the Board of Education would vote to change the name of Georgiana High School.To infuse politics that affects the History of this great community without hearing the people is absolutely un american.Without having the people involved with this DECISION will result in a community divided.The history of Georgiana is so much tied to Georgiana High School that to change the name would have a devastating effect on the community--For the thousands of us who attended & Graduated from GHS this change would erase so much memory & pride.I ask you to please RETHINK this change & involve the people.You should not erase with the stroke of a PEN what a profound impact Georgiana High School has had on so many lives--Georgiana High School is Georgiana & to take this name away is just flat not the RIGHT thing to do!!
Georgiana has a proud History and Georgiana High School is so much a part of this.Please carefully reconsider what you are about to do before you make this unwise decision that I truely believe will have a devastating impact on this great town.
Very Respectfully,
Joe Justice Colonel USAF (RET) & 1964 GHS GRAD
Posted by Bud (anonymous) on December 20, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Is this much to do about nothing? Would it not be nice if folks got as excited about the education of their children as they do the naming of the school. There is no Montgomery High School, no Fort Deposit High school, or Troy High School. This is a new school, a new beginning and a new name. So be it.
Posted by eightbits (anonymous) on December 20, 2008 at 4:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I can't believe this draws this much attention and mis-guided emotion (?). I could give a rip less what the buildings are named.
I do want excellent teaching and training for the students.
Heck, in New York city they give the schools a number.
That would suit me just fine.
But, the school has been named, so get over it. That's life!
Posted by PSTeacher (anonymous) on December 20, 2008 at 5:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The only reason the name of the school is Magnet School is to allow for open enrollment. Open enrollment allows Lunney to justify closing McKenzie High. He can spout it is not his fault, that numbers don't support MHS remaining K-12. There are alot of underhanded things that are being orchestrated and unless the people stand up to Looney he will prevail. He has misrepresented his agenda to everyone, including the board. He is wanting to pad his resume for another job.
Posted by PSTeacher (anonymous) on December 20, 2008 at 5:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Let me let you in on another little Looney tidbit. He is praising himself for going into one of our classrooms to teach reading. How great, until we find out his "sacrifice" is to earn 30 hours credit to get his doctorate. Also, we are being asked to cut back drastically, but he takes a trip to Dallas on the county's expense.
Posted by mlooney (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 6:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
PS teacher, you don't know what your talking about.
I receieved no extra pay for teaching the class. My dissertation has nothing to do with my teaching. In fact it is on a completely seperate topic. I am not getting any "hours" for teaching. My trip to Dallas was funded privately it cost the Board of education 0 dollars. In fact i personally made for all expenses that were not covered.
I certainly don't mind lively debate. I understand and appreciate people disagreeing with my leadership and decison making it comes with the job.
However you comments are just wrong and are LIES.
Posted by PSTeacher (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 8:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The county morale is the lowest in years. All that has been accomplished in the last few months is to further divide the south end of the county from Greenville. A name is being forced on us. We, as a community, don't want it. Is it fair that a group of elected officials and a Montgomery outsider can force their will on a city? I hope the tax is repealed and I hope these people will soon understand that they were elected to represent the people. One board member doesn't even live in his district. That will be resolved in the near future. This name was chosen without any input from the people. I can't wait until the next board meeting. Everyone needs to show up and send the message that we will not let a few people and one outsider make decisions without input from the people their decisions imapct. Closed matter? I don't think so.
Posted by INI (Rob Mello) on December 21, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is getting pretty funny.
Posted by Rburkett (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 9:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Looney has gone too far. The GHS students and staff have just gotten new FB jerseys that cost over $7,400. Let's not mention the class rings. Now that's all gone to waste thanks to the new name change. Everyone in Georgiana is against the new name, yet Looney doesn't seem to care.
Plus, why have a magnet school? Is he trying to make the new school in Georgiana a LAMP wannabe? Hope not. All we need is a regular public school and that's what Georgiana intended for.
If this controversy just keeps rising and the school board still won't care about Georgiana, I might as well move to Greenville's high school.
Posted by DPalmer (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 1:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope nobody has forgotten that it was Mike Looney that did most of the heavy lifting to get a brand new high school built in Georgiana for current and future children of Georgiana and the surrounding area to enjoy.
Had it not been for his vision and a heck of a lot of work by him and several others, there would be no new school and future children [and teachers] in Georgiana would not have the modern conveniences a new school affords.
Although most of you don't realize it, the brand new school is also going to spur economic development in the south part of the county, just as it did in Greenville when the new high school was built. If you don't believe me, just ask communities where new high schools were built if the area around the school developed much faster than the rest of the county.
And, for those who own property in the area, you can bet property values are/ will be very much improved [if not already] once the new school is operational. Just ask local realtors that question and see what answer you get.
Maybe the name issue could have been handled better, I don't know, but what I would suggest is that folks look at the bigger picture here. Would you like it better if things were left just as they were? I sure hope not.
Posted by PSTeacher (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Only Looney could take a good thing and make a mess of it. He will learn to be completely truthful and not think everyone is stupid. He has thumbed his nose at the people of Georgiana and McKenzie about too many things lately. His best next move would be...AWAY!
Posted by gpiggott (anonymous) on December 23, 2008 at 3:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The decision to rename Georgiana's school is like a "bait and switch". Citizens voted a tax to build a school -- then learned that this included removing the city name from the school. With all else there is to do, continuing to try to defend a thoughtless and unnecessary name change seems an unwise use of the school board's and superintendent's time. Concerned alumni and citizens have offered many good arguments about maintaining the school's history and identify. I offer a simple one: there is absolutely NO downside to leaving the name "Georgiana High School" and lots of reasons NOT to change it. As an elected board and a superintendent who represent all schools in the county, I challenge you to do the smart thing, the right thing, the simple thing. Say, after thoughtful consideration, we realize we acted hastily and did not fully grasp the ramifications of a name change. The new school will proudly bear the name "Georgiana High School" and will continue to be the Panthers with colors of blue and white. A test of true leadership is when one can admit an error, correct an oversight, or learn from others. This provides an opportunity for responsive leaders to guide us away from an unnecessary controversy back to the positive that should come with building a new school. Those who vote in Butler County should use this as a test for elected officials whose responsibility it is to work on your behalf. This opportunity is in the school board's hands, and their re-election is in yours.
Gail Burkett Piggott, GHS Class of 1970
Posted by BF2C1 (anonymous) on December 27, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If things were not a big enough mess there are individuals that are concerned that W.O. Palmer in Greenville will be renamed in the future in the name of 'political correctness'.
Looney Tooney!
Posted by Iwasjustsayin (anonymous) on December 28, 2008 at 8:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am so sick of political correctness that I could vomit!! Why can't the board see what they are doing is wrong? The fact that they even considered naming the school, The Barack Obama Magnet School shows that they are just looking for attention from the media and public. I have nothing against our future president and my prayers are with him in hopes that he can do something for our country, but to jump up and disregard the historical name of an existing community school just to get attention is pretty pathetic. Apologize to the citizens of Georgiana, right your wrong, and don't ever make the mistake of thinking, again, that those of us on the south end of the county are not watching. It seems that you think we are ignorant, but far from it. We have been fighting the BOE for what seems like a lifetime to me. My children have all graduated from Mckenzie, a fourth generation mind you to graduate from MHS, but I still feel a great loyalty to the schools on this end of the county. Mckenzie and Georgiana will stand together! Have no doubt about that Looney Toon!
Posted by BF2C1 (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 12:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have heard that Looney was going to cave-in to our wishes or demands next week. Stay tuned.
Posted by Iwasjustsayin (anonymous) on January 4, 2009 at 8:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe while he's caving in he will leave to boot! A girl can always dream can't she?
Posted by INI (Rob Mello) on October 20, 2009 at 12:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dparmer- He was a catalyst. WE did the heavy lifting Sir. The difference is WE don't get paid to lift a finger. ;)
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